Yes, when walking through the marsh, the black-necked stilt does get muddy feet.
Nikon D800, AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED II, ISO 450, 600mm, f/8, 1,200s
I was not entirely satisfied with some earlier photos, so I brought out the tripod this morning. The tripod is simpler and practically fool-proof, unlike the monopod. I was using the 300mm f/2.8G and the TC-20E III AF-S Teleconverter. I liked the combination.